"No...don't!" Ethan begged the knight to let go his arm

The black knight intention is to make him a special need

"GYAAAAAGGGHHHHH!!!" His expression of pain escaped through his mouth "GAAAHHHHH!!! FUUUUUCK!!!"

One arm is no longer a use to him, for the knight bends his elbow in the direction it's not supposed to go. Hearing his own painful cry of agony, Akeno is puzzled whether or not if she should buy Issei some time to grab Ethan and get the hell outta there...or witness a beatdown where she's powerless to do anything. Issei's own legs had become frozen in place after discovering there's a monster greater than the ones he faced, started chasing after one of his friends, may I add this is the first time Hyodo has scratched the surface of what Ethan battled with to be stronger.

"Ddraig!! ASCALON!!!"

"Blade!"

The blade is a dragon slayer only used to bring down any species of dragon, for it was made that way by well known blacksmiths during the great war and was never to be used again...until now. But this knight isn't a dragon so why must that weapon be used against that? Issei never put much brain into the use of that weapon, Ethan will have a full understanding of it thanks to the System bestowing him with all of its glory. Artorias the Abysswalker catches the blade before it can touch its Chestplate with ease. You see, this knight has been through many trial and errors to be considered the Abysswalker, and to uphold that title....he's gotta be fearful to his opponents. Artorias gained a few chuckles.

"What a beautiful weapon right there. Say boy: where did you get it?"

"IT TALKS???" Sure Issei heard Artorias speak, but he can't understand its language "DDRAIG!!!"

"Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost!"

"I can feel your power is growing...ha....just a fraction of growth you gained. Kid, may I show you why they call me the Abysswalker?"

Artorias collected strength onto his right arm as he cocked it back, bulking up in muscles as Issei's surrounding area became heavier due to magic. Hyodo isn't sure if he could block this or not, doesn't mean he'll probably live out of it. Before Artorias punch can land, Ethan stopped his death blow thanks to the Holy-light gauntlet, causing a shockwave of metal clanks.

"Hey, stop. You're opponent....is me." Ethan's left eye begins to glow cyanic

Did Ethan...just speak its tongue?! ~(Issei)

"Still got some light in your eyes, eh?"

Elms took a stance as Issei escaped, to never be caught up with these two monsters which is ironic coming from a devil.

"You're not drawing your weapon?"

"Like the swords can something to metallic armor. It's like trying to break a Nokia phone with another." says Ethan

Fatigue: 21
Health: 19,333

"I have no understanding to what that means, human. But...here's something you'll understand." The knight took out the longsword and the two daggers at its sides and threw them on to the floor, one at a time. It was a slow, deliberate act, sending a message to Ethan. The silence of the shrine was broken by the loud sounds of the metal falling onto the stone slabs. Having discarded his weapons, Artorias raised his fists and took a fighting stance, imitating the Hunter

"Are you being chivalrous? You think I'm weak?" Ethan questioned the knight, the angrier he got, the more he cooled himself. Compared to the increasing speed of his heartbeat, Ethan's eyes shone with sharpness

"Ethan!! Stand back!! He's too powerful for you to handle alone!!!" Rias cried, but her peerage held her back "don't you fucking dare throw your life away for one enemy!!!"

"Rias! Enough! It's him or us! Think before acting, president!" Said Issei "I understand your pain but he'll hold him off for us to get away!!"

Come ~(Ethan)

As if reading his mind, Artorias charged at him in a straight line. It was an unthinkable speed for an armored being. Artorias came before Ethan and leaped. The knight aimed a knee at Elms.

What speed! ~(Ethan)

But Ethan was not about to lose in speed. He bent his body backwards in a near 90-degree angle and dodged its attack. He quickly raised his body and turned to face the boss. Unlike the knights and Draugrs that lost to their momentum and continued after missing their charge, Abysswalker immediately turned around after landing. There was no time to be impressed by his clean movements. Ethan quickly ran to Artorias before he fully turned around and aimed a kick at his face. However, even while turning around, the knight accurately moved his arm. Ethan's right leg was easily stopped by its left hand. He was surprised. While his leg was still off the ground, Artorias' fist flew straight toward him. The boy reflexively put up both arms to guard but could not completely block the impact. The punch broke through his guard, and Elms felt his body tossed into the air. He exclaimed in shock but the sound from his mouth quickly turned to a groan. Artorias was already right before his eyes. Before he could react, Elms' face was greeted by the knight's left fist. The boy bounced on the ground and rolled across the shrine. When he finally stopped and got up, his ears were ringing. He shook his head few times and the ringing eased up a bit. However, there was a bigger problem approaching. Through his blurred vision, Ethan saw Artorias walking towards him. He opened his eyes wide and focused strength into his legs. Art stopped at an arm's reach before him. A slugfest began between the pair. Artorias did not make any attempts to dodge Ethan's attacks. He took the man's fist and counterattacked with his own. The knight's head turned slightly. Even before Elm's hand retracted after punching, the knight struck with a blinding speed. Ethan's body swayed. This time, Art took a step backwards. The knight's fists struck his stomach, and the Hunter bent over.

"Kaaahhk!!" Blood came out of the boy's mouth

Artorias punches hurt like a hammer slamming into him. On the other hand, his own attacks did not seem to do much damage to the knight. The pair's exchange did not last long. Shaking, Ethan finally took a knee. He tried to rise again but could not find the strength. Looking over his shoulder, ears ringing once again, he could see Rias and Akeno in teary eyes while shouting at him to get outta there before he's killed. But Issei and Kiba had to pull them back. The knight stared down at the man. The black figure ignored the eyes looking at him with confusion and stretched a hand towards the sword in the distance. The knight's sword flew across the air into his hand. Ethan realized what Artorias was going to do...

Ian, Elle....it's been an honor serving with you guys... ~(Ethan)

HEY, DON'T FUCKING GIVE UP!!! YOU STILL GOT YOUR SHADOW SOLDIERS, USE THEM!!!! ~(Ian)

"C....com......come......" Ethan's throat was clogged thanks to his own blood "o....o....ou...."

Before he can finish, Artorias grabs a hold of his hair and pulls it back for the peerage to get a good view of a defeated loved one, his life flashing before their eyes. Rias could've sworn the knight is laughing, taunting her for not being able to save his life and that she's very weak to do anything. Gremory shot bits of her magic aiming at Artorias head, but he shielded himself with Ethan's body.

"Boy, look. Your friend here shot at you. How do you feel about this betrayal?"

"Rias......run...."

"Screw this! Kiba!!"

"On it!!"

"Your friends want the same treatment as you. How do you feel about that?"

Luckily, Sona's peerage also arrived to bestow themselves on a bloody field, mostly coming from Ethan covered in bruises and cuts with a hint of blood coming out of his mouth. Tsubaki put her hands on her mouth out of pure shock. Seeing Ethan this gravely injured must be caused by someone really strong. Sona's devil aura had Bloodlust behind it, that even a few members were scared on her peerage, she ordered Loup and Saji to help Issei and Kiba. Xenovia joins in with the boys.

"Oi, black knight. Our master is very angry that she wishes to kill you, I'd be lying if I said nothing." Loup's eyes begins to glow golden whilst cracking his knuckles "bastards like you need to face the consequences."

"For Ethan." Saji equips his sacred gear

"For Ethan." The team said altogether

A terrified Tsubaki held onto his sleeves. Ethan calmly whispered into her ears...

"Still alive..."

As he saw tears forming at the corners of her eyes, Elms knew that there was no time to explain. He gently pulled away her shaking hands from his sleeves. Having reached him after running with all her might, Rias collapsed next to him in tears...

"Oh my god... oh my god..."

She used all the mana at her disposal and tried every healing magic she knew. But it had no effect. One by one, the scattered ORC members gathered before Ethan. Their expressions equally dark.

"Oh god....Ethan...." Akeno was too focused on Ethan that she ignored the sharp pain on saying the word 'God'

Amidst their pitying looks and words, Sona cried without ceasing. Elms wanted to ask, but he lacked the energy to speak. So, he tried to gather his strength and stand up. A pool of blood had gathered where he was sitting. Ethan finally was able to understand the situation he was in. His right leg had disappeared below the knees. He looked across the shrine to the knight holding a sword. The base of the sword was covered in blood. His missing leg next to it. He turned and saw blood dripping down from Asia's nose. Her body had reached its limits. A newly turned devil's healing was insufficient for the regeneration of a body part. Yet she continued, her efforts like collecting water with a broken pitcher. And as she continued, both her mana and vitality quickly decreased.

"It's okay, Asia. You can stop now..."

"No! I can heal this! I'll heal you!"

The others watched the pair with pity.

Health: 10/19,333

Just one more hit could've been enough to kill him if it weren't for the interference of Issei, including Kiba. His shadow infantry looked at him in worry, as to seeing their king fall into a state of defeat and handicapped until a new foot is grown back. Akeno and Tsubaki backed Asia up so the healing process could be a lot quicker. Rias, Sona, and a few of Sitri's peerage had their mana had formed into a protective barrier if there's any chance their warriors are down.

Health: 50/19,333

Even with all three healers put together ain't enough to fully recover. That being said, Ethan now notices the difference between a low-ranked health potion and 3 devil healers who specialize in that catalog. It's too late. With that amount of blood lost, he starts to become a bit droopy which concerns the healers and Rias. They amped up their healing abilities to the point Asia passed out but Akeno and Tsubaki tried.

"Ethan!! ETHAN!!!"

Oh....I reached that level where their voices seem to fade away....I'm tired.... ~(Ethan)

Next Day

Woken up by the loud banging noises coming from the halls, Ethan inspects his body for any scars left from Artorias but to no avail. He wasn't sure to be confused or happy, for the system stated to heal any wound via torn limbs, deep wounds, damaged organs - you get the point! His right leg. It was the first priority to check on...

"....thought I'd be handicapped."

You? Handicapped? Don't underestimate the power of the System!! ~(Ian)

Pleasant joy to see you on your toes again. The skill Longevity is no joke, master ~(Elle)

Oh and your girl, Akeno, stayed by your side the entire night. Let's not forget Alyssa and Tsubaki. Now they would volunteer to tend your wounds every 30 minutes. Got annoying but I can't forget you need some lovers, but going to this extent? Might start calling them Yanderes (what you humans call crazed bitches) ~(Ian)

Master, best to ease them. Take it slowly and be prepared. Each words you say will have an effect on their lives ~(Elle)

Ethan looked to his right, glaring down on a sleeping Akeno. Pure bliss, so innocent, quite plump and curvy that males have a hard time containing themselves although must attain their composer if they want a chance, her violet eyes that could reflect thousands of stars and stare right into her pure soul despite being a devil. Elms still had definite feelings for Akeno, but seeing how 'close' she's gotten with Issei, it's not safe to say 'I love you'. The rage is there, being locked away from Akeno's hypocrisy. He's still head over heels for Akeno. Will he lash it out once the anger is done boiling inside his heart? Or will he talk it out with his swords or other trusted people. Ian and Elle never once had the chance to know a wide variety of emotions, just a few to name off: Excitement, arrogant, and depression. There. Anything can fuck off is what Ian says.

Daily Quest: Preparation to become stronger

"Right on cue." Ethan activated 'Stealth', then snuck out the door

Hey, does Agility affect my footsteps? Like give off less vibration when walking or running? ~(Ethan)

Yes. Don't forget Stealth as well. Truly does make you a ninja ~(Ian)

The System helps the Player become silent and stronger as time goes by ~(Elle)

Fast forward an hour later, Ethan accepted his daily rewards that usually happens. Still, knowing the System for 3 months, there's still some secrets to it. The fact he's only able to see the screen and notifications without anyone else is astonishing to keep a secret. If privacy becomes this advance, people will start to fill their data to max. Ethan was once confronted by Rias, questioning how he is able to get this strong at a rapid rate when it took most of her peerage years to become suited combatants they are right now. No need of special training, artifacts, sacred gears, evil piece inserted, or coming down a line of powerful beings. Elms turns the table around and asks a question if Rias is able to see a screen. Puzzled, she's tempted to know more.

(Screen. Never in my life have I heard a sacred gear displaying a screen.)

(Not a sacred - you know what? Forget it.)

(Ethan, did you hit your head?)

(Rias, I'm fine. My head is tough as steel)

Master, is it okay if we start training you the way of Swordsmanship? It'll be a great benefit to your life ~(Elle)

We start with hands first, WOMEN ~(Ian)

I'm fine with whatever ~(Ethan)

Great. Look what you did. You made him pick neutral. I blame you for this ~(Ian)

Me? Maybe if we stopped arguing most of the time, master could've been done with Swordsmanship considering how fast he progresses during fights! ~(Elle)

OHO, WANT TO THROW HANDS?!? I'LL FUCKING GIVE YOU THESE HANDS!! ~(Ian)

Now I know we said this'll be Ethan's story as we see his point of view, but why not switch it up a bit? Only a partial part of this chapter before heading back to 3rd person storytelling. Let's switch to 1st person of a character.

???? POV

It's been a whole day since that black knight incident. Various injuries remained on a few of the club members as to Ethan losing a leg thanks to that bastard. I was at fault for not sticking by his side. And to think the White Dragon and his members helped us temporarily subdue the knight until we were able to pull them back. Vali is still shaken by the Knight's aura when he divided his power in half. Vali stated that wasn't all of it as it still was able to take down the current monkey king and him. I had no choice but to call a Satan as a humble request. Vali and his members are at the living room with Issei and a few others in case trouble were to stir. I volunteered to help close the wounds of Ethan since Tsubaki and Alyssa always came back all groggily after wasting their magic on Ethan's wounds. Safe to say Akeno stayed by his side all day, as to their friendship was stronger than anyone else I know off. But whenever I see the two together, I see a sparkle in Ethan's eyes as he deeply gazes at Akeno. To her laughter, to her smile, to her mischievous acts that made me think she'd be Loki. As I creek the door little by little, I found no one to be in the room. Akeno remained alone.

"Akeno. Akeno!" I gently shook Akeno's shoulder "Where's Ethan?!"

"R....Rias?" Akeno finally realize why her left arm had no support "Ethan? Ethan!?"

Where could he have disappear?! I didn't want to cause a panic amongst the group. Me and Akeno set out to look for him.... at least..... we saw Ethan training himself, leaving after images of himself unleashing a barrage of fist at an invisible target dummy. I was more frightened than Akeno. He is completely well. No missing right legs, no opened wounds. Like he was perfectly cloned. Though my fear got the best of me, I still would never leave behind what's important to me. Not in a million years. I ran with all my might towards Ethan, shouting his names as I let out streaks of tears. He turned around with a gentle smile on his face, symbolizing how well he is. I tackled him to the ground as I profusely cried over his shoulder. I was so terrified of losing you. What a stupid idiot you are. When I first saw Ethan laying on the ground not far from Issei, I never once sympathized for him....at least until now. Elms is very precious to me. I never want this idiot to leave me. For these past 3 months felt like eternity getting to know you.

"Rias. Rias. You can let go now." Says Ethan, as he calmly tried to lift up my arms but I bolted them harder than before "whoa... whoa WHOA! AKENO!!"

Akeno has done the same as I did, with the same amount of force I expelled. Us three lie on the ground, leaving Ethan in a state of confusion.

"Ethan....don't ever leave without me...." I said. Did it sound like a proposal or a promise? Might have confused myself there

"...uhhh....."

"Promise me..."

"I'm not sure I-"

"PROMISE ME!!"

"Okay! Okay! I promise to never leave without you! So please...stop yelling in my ear."

Me and Akeno could tell Ethan wanted us to get off, but we refuse to do so. With ease, Elms stood up even with our weight combined.

Back to 3rd person!

With two of the largest breasts Ethan has come across, they were being pressed hard on his chest to which Rias wanted to touch and massage them thoroughly thanks to how tanked they are. Gremory has never seen impressive muscles on a human before.

"Hold on tightly." Ethan warned them as he buried his right leg

Sprint ~(Ethan)

Skill: Sprint (Lv.